The Federal High Court in Lagos was thrown into chaos on Thursday, February 26, 2025, as Ezekiel Onyedikachi, former manager of gospel singer Mercy Chinwo, suddenly fled the courtroom after his fraud case was adjourned.
Onyedikachi, who is facing allegations of fraudulent conversion of $840,477, had appeared in court for his arraignment. However, after Justice Alexander Owoeye halted proceedings due to an ongoing administrative procedure, the defendant unexpectedly bolted out of the court premises, dodging journalists and cameras in a dramatic escape.
Judge Suspends Trial, Triggering Onyedikachi’s Escape
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had filed a 15-count amended charge against Mercy Chinwo’s ex-manager, accusing him of money laundering and fraudulent conversion.
When the case FHC/L/578C/2025 was called before Justice Owoeye, Bilikisu Buhari represented the EFCC, while Chikaosolu Ojukwu (SAN) and Dr. Monday Ubani (SAN) defended Onyedikachi.
However, before any formal arraignment could take place, the judge suspended the trial, stating:
“There is an administrative procedure going on in this case, and until it is completed, I cannot make any pronouncement on it.”
This decision seemed to have triggered panic in Onyedikachi, who, moments later, sprinted out of the courtroom, evading waiting reporters.
EFCC’s Case Against Mercy Chinwo’s Ex-Manager
The EFCC initially filed a four-count charge against Onyedikachi, accusing him of converting $345,000 belonging to Mercy Chinwo. However, the case was later expanded to 15 counts, increasing the alleged amount to $840,477.
Onyedikachi had previously failed to appear in court for an earlier hearing, raising suspicions about his intentions. But when he finally showed up on Thursday, his sudden flight from the courtroom only fueled speculation about the strength of the fraud case against him.
Chaos Outside the Courtroom as Onyedikachi Flees
As soon as the judge adjourned the case, Mercy Chinwo’s ex-manager shocked everyone by bolting out of the courtroom, catching both his lawyers and security officials off guard.
Journalists and electronic media crews, who had positioned their cameras for interviews, scrambled to capture the moment. Onyedikachi, however, outran them all, dodging photographers and vanishing from the court premises before anyone could stop him.
What’s Next for Mercy Chinwo’s Ex-Manager?
With the case now adjourned to May 14, 2025, all eyes are on how the EFCC will handle the prosecution of Mercy Chinwo’s ex-manager after his public courtroom escape. His flight from the court raises serious legal questions, and the EFCC may tighten restrictions on his movements before the next hearing.
